COITED Hosts 2nd International Conference, Calls For Holistic Approach To Bridging Global Digital Skills Divide

Lagos State University of Education, through its College of Information and Technology Education (COITED), has called for a holistic approach to bridging the global digital skills divide, emphasising the need for improved access to digital resources, relevant education and character development.

The call was made during the College's 2nd International Hybrid Conference, held on Tuesday, 3rd and Wednesday, 4th November 2026, at the Postgraduate Hall, Oto/Ijanikin Main Campus. The conference, which attracted participants from different parts of the world, both physically and virtually, was themed "The Tech-Skill Connection: Boosting Talents to Bridge the Global Digital Skills Divide: The Nigerian Scenario."

In her opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Daodu Morufu Adedayo, stressed that bridging the digital skills gap requires more than providing digital devices and internet connectivity.

She noted that although digital technologies continue to transform education, business and the world of work, access to their benefits remains unequal. She identified electricity supply, data costs, geographical location, disability, gender and language as some of the factors contributing to digital inequality in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised the importance of equipping individuals with digital literacy, critical thinking, information verification skills and the ability to use technology responsibly. She also called for stronger teacher education, with information literacy, cybersecurity and responsible artificial intelligence use integrated into educational curricula.

Reaffirming the University's commitment to digital advancement, she advocated regular curriculum reviews, practical learning experiences, industry partnerships, staff development and sustainable investment in digital infrastructure to ensure that graduates acquire skills relevant to the demands of the labour market.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the College of Information and Technology Education (COITED), Professor Imran Adeleke, stressed the need for educational institutions to continually align their teaching practices and academic discussions with emerging global technological developments.

Delivering the keynote address, the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Professor Victor Olufemi Adeoluwa, examined the relationship between technical competence, talent development and the global digital skills gap while advocating the integration of character education and advanced digital literacy into citizenship and civic education. He also recommended continuous curriculum reviews, effective utilisation of education funds, the introduction of vocational degree programmes in public universities and stronger collaboration between industry and academia.

Prof. Adeoluwa further called for the introduction of coding and programming languages, including Python, into secondary school computer studies to equip students with relevant technological skills from an early stage.

The first lead paper, titled "Bridging the Global Skills Divide Through Innovative TVET and Digital Learning," was presented by the Professor of Technology and Vocational Education at Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Oladiran Stephen Olabiyi.

His presentation highlighted the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in equipping individuals with the practical competencies required to thrive in an evolving labour market.

The conference also featured a plenary session on the second day, which provided participants with opportunities to engage in interactive discussions and exchange ideas on strategies for addressing the global digital skills gap. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished participants in recognition of their contributions to its success.